By Rudra Shivananda
In a previous post, I explained about the structural barriers that prevent the spiritual seeker from engaging in an effective mantra practice. There was a request to give some examples of the foundation mantras that are needed to transform a busy or lethargic mind into a calm state.
Below, I’ve given three examples of such mantras. To be effective, such mantras need to be practiced for six months to one year.
There are mantras which should be repeated aloud in order to have the desired effects on the external world, that is, the environment and physical body. There are also mantras which should be repeated mentally only, in order to internalize their effects for wholly spiritual purposes.
There are also some mantras which can be practiced both aloud and mentally. In general, we can repeat these powerful vibrations first, aloud, then in a whisper and finally mentally. These three modes of repetition give powerfully enhanced effects on the physical, energetic/emotional, and mental/causal complex of human beings.
The following is one mantra which has been repeated everyday by spiritual seekers for thousands of years and is one I recommend to chant before your daily practice:
Om Asa-to Ma Sad-ga-ma-ya Ta-ma-so Ma Jyo-tir-ga-ma-ya Mrit-yor Ma A-mri-tam-ga-ma-ya. O, Divine Lead me away from untruth to Truth Lead me away from darkness to Light Lead me away from death to Immortality.Repeat at three times aloud, three times in a whisper, and three times silently. The best time is before meditation in the morning.
For the pronunciation, listen to the audio file: rsAsatoma_sad
Another traditional mantra that is recited before the commencement of studies and teaching, helps to establish the proper frame of mind and attitude towards the subject and prevent any misunderstanding between teacher and student. This mantra should also be recited three times aloud, three times in a whisper and three times silently:
Om Saha naavavatu Saha nau bhunaktu Saha veeryam karavaavahai Tejasvinaavaavadheetamastu Maa vidvishaavahai. Om Shanti, shanti, shanti. O Lord Protect us (from misinterpretation) Give us enjoyment (through our studies) May we strive together (to arrive at the truth) May our studies be thorough and free from error May we be free from quarrel and full of mutual respect. O Lord Give us perfect peace.The following stotra should be recited on awakening in the morning. It invokes the blessings of the Divine Trinity as well as the planetary rulers. These planetary rulers or angels have the responsibilities to mete out karmic retributions. It is best to invoke their blessings every day to lessen the karmic effects where possible.
Brahmaa, Muraari, Tripuraanta-kaari Bhaanuh, Shasi, Bhuumu-suto, Budhash cha Gurush cha, Shukraha, Shani, Raahu-Ketava Kurvantu sarve mama suprabhaatam. Let Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, The Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, the Ascending and Descending Nodes, Let all these Celestials make the morning auspicious for me.
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Dear Sir, thank you for all the inspiring and enlightening articles. I have been reading these articles since 2008. Your articles are full of divine wisdom and you seem to be able to address or tap into the common problems faced by sincere seekers. Many times my doubts/queries have been answered. May GOD bless you with all the goodness in life
Sir can we chant mantra at any time of the day in order to keep the mind still and thoughtless. I do recite mantras at any time of the day even when i am cooking if my mind get very distracted. But I do not keep track of the number of times ; the mantras that I always chant are ; Om Namashivaya Shivaya Nama Om; Om sakti Om; Om kriya babaji nama Om
And if we are meditating on mantra is it important to chant exactly 108 times as there have been instances I lose track of the number of times. I understand that 108 relates to number of nadis in our bodies. Thank You again.
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Dear Purvanes,
Thank you for your kind comments.
In general, it is possible to recite most mantras or slokas at any time of the day. However, there are some which have restrictions and others which which have recommendations. The ones you mention are free of restrictions.
There is no need to keep track of the count. The count is important only in cases of either a requirement to achieve a certain outcome from the mantra or if one has set a goal.
Om Shanti
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Thank You very much for the prompt reply
Om Shanti